Harry Alfred Dest, Criminal Defense Attorney in Irmo, South Carolina
Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Estate Planning · 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Irmo, SC
Practicing criminal defense in Irmo since 1992.
- 34+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Harry Alfred Dest?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Harry Alfred Dest is an attorney based in Irmo, SC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Harry has over 34 years of legal experience. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Irmo, SC
- Experience
- over 34 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Elder Law · Estate Planning
- Handles Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from Irmo, SC.
- Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Harry Alfred Dest: Harry Alfred Dest is an attorney based in Irmo, SC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Harry has over 34 years of legal experience. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Harry's practice areas in Irmo
Harry concentrates on criminal defense, elder law, estate planning, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Harry handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
View other Criminal Defense attorneys
Elder Law
View other Elder Law attorneys
Estate Planning
View other Estate Planning attorneys
Probate
View other Probate attorneys
Criminal Defense cases in Irmo, South Carolina
Harry takes criminal defense matters in Irmo, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Harry agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Irmo, South Carolina
Harry takes elder law matters in Irmo, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Harry agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Irmo, South Carolina
Harry takes estate planning matters in Irmo, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Harry agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Irmo, South Carolina
Harry takes probate matters in Irmo, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Harry agrees to represent you.
Biography
Harry Alfred Dest, criminal defense attorney serving Irmo
Harry Alfred Dest is an attorney based in Irmo, SC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Harry has over 34 years of legal experience. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. Harry works from Irmo, South Carolina and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Harry Alfred Dest is a lawyer practicing elder law, estate planning, wills and probate and 1 other area of law. Harry has been licensed for 34 years. Harry practices in Irmo, SC.
How Harry handles criminal defense matters
Harry Alfred Dest is a lawyer practicing elder law, estate planning, wills and probate and 1 other area of law. Harry has been licensed for 34 years. Harry practices in Irmo, SC.
Who Harry represents
Harry reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, elder law, and estate planning matters in Irmo and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Harry studied and practices
University of South Carolina School of Law
JD · 2007
Jurisdictions
Harry's state bar admissions
North Carolina
2014 · ACTIVE
South Carolina
1992 · ACTIVE
Harry studied at JD in University of South Carolina School of Law.
Law school and academic background
Harry completed JD in University of South Carolina School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Harry runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Harry's legal honors and published work
Harry has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Harry Alfred Dest's office in Irmo
Harry's primary office is at 7511 Saint Andrews Road, Irmo, SC, 29063. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Harry Alfred Dest — 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Harry. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Irmo.
4.9
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Harry Alfred Dest claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Harry Alfred Dest — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Harry usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Harry charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Harry's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Harry will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Irmo, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Harry
Harry discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Harry confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Harry's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Harry Alfred Dest
How much does it cost to hire Harry for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Harry walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Harry offer a free consultation?
Harry charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Harry's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Harry's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Harry gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Harry take my case if I'm outside Irmo?
Harry is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Harry will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Harry?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Harry will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Harry accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Harry's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Irmo, Columbia and Charleston in South Carolina
Harry handles criminal defense matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in South Carolina
If Harry's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Irmo handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Marion Moise Moses
Columbia, South Carolina
5.0· 66

Jack B. Swerling
Columbia, South Carolina
5.0· 39

Mark F. Winn, Sr.
Bluffton, South Carolina
5.0· 22

Robert M. P. Masella
Columbia, South Carolina
5.0· 21

William Carey Crantford
Charleston, South Carolina
5.0· 16

Ashley Heaton Amundson
Beaufort, South Carolina
5.0· 16